Title: Opportunities (1/1)
Author: Sheryl Martin/Nantus
Email: xfdragon@zoominternet.net
Disclaimer: All publicly recognisable characters and places are the property of MGM, World
Gekko Corp and Double Secret productions. This piece of fan fiction was created for
entertainment not monetary purposes and no infringement on copyrights or trademarks was
intended. Previously unrecognised characters and places, and this story, are copyrighted to the
author. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead is coincidental and not intended by the
author.
Archive: anywhere you want! Helio, S/JD... anyone wants it, help yourself!
Rating: PG-13
Spoilers: A small one for Birthright, Season 7.
Summary: Bra'tac and Teal'c discuss women. Jack joins them.
Opportunities (1/1)
By Sheryl Martin/Nantus
"These Tauri…" Bra'tac looked down from the hill he sat on, surveying the Alpha Site. "They are a
most curious people." He leaned on his staff weapon, using it to balance himself. "I do find myself
liking them more and more."
"As you should." His old student Teal'c passed over a sandwich, unwrapping his own. "This is
'peanut butter'. It is not totally inedible." He took a small bite, nodding as he chewed. "I find more
and more mysteries about them even as I learn. It is quite interesting."
"I especially wonder about their women." This statement brought a high-rising arch of Teal'c's
eyebrow. "As you know, it is not our tradition to have women fight and die alongside the men." He
smiled slyly. "Although I have heard that your recent experiences have shown different results."
The tall Jaffa grinned, chewing his sandwich slowly. "Word spreads fast."
"Especially when women are involved." Bra'tac chuckled, looking down on the movements of the
people. "And yet the Tauri are not worried about losing their women." He gestured with the butt of
his weapon towards one small group. "There is Captain Montgomery, teaching a group of our
warriors and she has no fear of being lost in battle alongside them. Yet each of them would
probably give their own life to protect her because she is a woman, although not one of us aside
from in spirit."
"True." Teal'c popped the last bite into his mouth. "But they pride themselves on their equality."
He glanced at his old mentor. "Do you often observe Captain Montgomery from this position?"
One hand ran along the hardened soil under them. "It seems that this is an often-used spot for
viewing."
Bra'tac looked at the sandwich. "It reminds me of some of the food we used to torture enemy
Jaffa with." He took another bite and shrugged. "And a bit of the ambrosia my own mother used
to reward us with." He studied the people again, ignoring the question.
"Ah." Teal'c grinned. "You are interested in her." He nodded, scanning the small settlement below
them. "If you wish, I can inquire as to her feelings towards you."
His head shot up. "You will not!" The strong tone in his voice reminded Teal'c of the years
between them. "I will deal with this in my own time, in my own way."
"As you wish." The former First Prime couldn't stifle a chuckle. "Although I can tell you that she
has no mate and is intensely interested in our culture. I'm sure that General Hammond would
welcome her being assigned more… intimate tasks in educating their people about the Jaffa."
Bra'tac looked stoically at his old pupil for a long minute, then broke into laughter; unable to keep
the mask up any longer. "You are learning their ways too well, Teal'c."
"I am only a mirror. You see what you wish." He shook his head with a chuckle. "But I am sure
that she would be flattered to hear that the mighty Jaffa warrior and teacher Bra'tac has an
interest in her."
"Maybe. Maybe not." The last of the sandwich disappeared. "While most of the Tauri are open to
dealing with our kind there are still a few who find us… distasteful."
"True. But there are still Jaffa who ignore the skills of the Tauri at their own peril. As well as many
Gou'ald, as we both know." Teal'c shrugged again. "I will ask O'Neill to enquire about her, if you
wish."
A grunt came from the older warrior. "I am not sure that O'Neill would be… appropriate for the
task." He held up a hand, silencing Teal'c before he could answer. "Do not misunderstand me;
O'Neill is a competent warrior and I would always have him by my side. But he is also…" He
paused, finding the right words. "Challenged at times to find the right words to express himself. I
would not want to weigh him down with this responsibility." His eyes darted again to the redhead
below as she handed out weapons to the waiting Jaffa, oblivious to the watchers above. "And
O'Neill has his own female problems to deal with."
"You refer to Major Carter." It was a flat statement, not a question. "I agree with you."
"It is not healthy for either of them to continue this." The butt of the staff weapon thumped lightly
on the ground. "It tires me to see his inaction in this matter. If I were him…"
"I have heard enough tales of your prowness, Master Bra'tac." The staff weapon banged against
his shin, making him grimace even as his elder let out a weary sigh. "I have no doubt that if you
had set your mind to the task that Major Carter would be in one of our camps on Chulak tending a
new generation of warriors."
"Somehow I do not see Major Carter easily taking up that role." He chuckled. "Although I am
curious as to what Captain Montgomery's views are on this…"
"What about Montgomery?" The familiar voice behind them brought both warriors to their feet,
spinning around with their weapons. Colonel O'Neill held up his hands, shaking his head. "Hey,
chill. Just wondering what you were doing up here, that's all."
Taking their seats again the two Jaffa settled back down as he moved into a vacant patch of
ground beside Teal'c. "Nice view."
"Yes." Bra'tac stared down into the clearing, his face a stony mask.
"O'Neill." Teal'c took a deep breath, feeling the tension of his fellow Jaffa beside him increase.
"You have knowledge of Tauri women."
"Ah…" Taking his baseball cap off the bemused man rubbed his face, putting the cap back on
and adjusting it a dozen times. "A bit. Well, depends. Maybe. What are we talking about?"
"Women." Teal'c announced with the same tone in his voice that he reserved for serious
comments.
"Ah." He waved a hand towards the settlement. "That makes it a lot clearer. Anything specific?"
"Tauri women are much more…" Bra'tac paused, choosing his words carefully. "Much more equal
here than on Chulak. Or many other worlds I have visited."
"Yep." O'Neill nodded. "We got us some tough women here; that's for sure." He stared at the
elder Jaffa for a second, his forehead furrowed. "You having any problems with them? I know we
just tranferred in quite a bit of new personnel, but…"
Bra'tac held up his hand again. "No, O'Neill. I have no problems with your people. They have
treated myself and the other Jaffa with all respect." His eyes glanced again to the small group to
his left. "It has been a joy to see the Tauri supporting our cause with such enthusiasm."
The colonel followed the Jaffa's glance, a wide smile breaking across his face. "Oh, ho! You've
got the hots for one of the women." The grin disappeared as he saw the two stone-faced men.
"Ah, er… you find yourself attracted to one of the women?" His voice went up at the end of the
sentence as if trying to build a shield from the Jaffa mentor's wrath.
"Sometimes, O'Neill…" Bra'tac dug a small hole in the ground with one hand. "Sometimes I do
wonder how you have managed to survive so long." His shoulders slumped as he let out a sigh.
"But, you are correct. I have been observing one of your women officers for a period of time and
found her to be rather intriguing."
"Sweet." His face suddenly went ashen. "It's not Carter, is it?"
Teal'c's eyebrow shot up again. "And if it were, O'Neill? You have not laid claim to her, as I
recall."
"That's not the point." Pulling the baseball cap off his head he began to knead it in his hands,
wrenching the fabric back and forth. "I mean, if you are interested then that's okay; I mean, she's
her own woman and it would be okay with me if it's okay with her…" He looked up from mangling
his cap to see the two Jaffa smiling widely. "You know, you're as bad as Thor with these poker
faces."
"It is the Captain Montgomery that appeals to me, O'Neill." Bra'tac scratched the back of his neck.
"She seems like quite the warrior."
"Well, she is quite the soldier." The colonel jammed the cap back on his head. "If you want, I'll ask
Carter to ask her if she might want to meet with you. She's pretty interested in all things Jaffa…"
He broke off the sentence, leaving the innuendo hanging between the three men.
"You could do worse." Teal'c solemnly said to his old friend. "I have seen Tauri women who do
not appeal to me at all; exhibiting a lack of intelligence even while displaying their physical assets.
I believe they are called bobims."
"Bimbos."
"I stand corrected, O'Neill." He nodded his appreciation. "If you could ask Major Carter to enquire
on Master Bra'tac's behalf we would be grateful."
"But discreetly." The elder Jaffa announced with a warning finger. "I have no wish to embarrass
her or your command."
"Consider it done." O'Neill rubbed his chin again. "I don't think she'll be offended at all. But I'll let
Carter do it - women talk and all that."
"Yes, and about Major Carter…" Bra'tac swung the butt end of his staff weapon over to knock
against Jack's boot. "The situation between the two of you is becoming intolerable. I suggest you
remedy it as soon as possible."
O'Neill's face went red then white then red again, his mouth opening and closing like a goldfish
gasping for air as his eyes went from one Jaffa to the other, unsure how to respond. Teal'c tilted
his head to one side, assessing the situation.
"He speaks the truth, O'Neill. It is obvious to even the most casual observer that you and Major
Carter are more emotionally attached than others." He stared straight out over the compound.
"While our culture does not encourage female warriors we do acknowledge those of extreme
beauty and skill both on and off the battlefield."
Jack finally got enough air in his lungs to form a sentence. "But…" He gasped. "Carter's not… we
can't… it's not…" His words droned down to a mumble as he shook his head again, cupping his
hands over his face as he tried to regain control of both himself and the conversation.
"O'Neill…" Bra'tac turned his full attention on him, assessing him with the same seriousness and
attitude as other Jaffa. "We do not say this to you lightly. Believe me, there is a reason why Jaffa
women do not usually enter into battle." He paused, choosing his words slowly. "I have seen
much in my time and hope to see much more." His eyes glanced again down into the clearing.
"And while I am a warrior I am also a man, as Teal'c is and you are. There is no shame in
admitting this."
Suddenly a familiar sound shocked Jack out of his self-imposed exile. Snapping his head up he
found himself staring into the active end of Bra'tac's staff weapon; the glowing end inches from
his face. Teal's sat passively between them, watching.
"One day this may be the last thing you see, O'Neill." The bulbous end wavered slightly, the
power hum signalling its readiness. "As it may happen to all of us. And I would be remiss in being
your friend if I did not tell you that it would be a great loss if you saw this at the end of your life
without dealing with Major Carter."
"Point taken." Jack gingerly pushed the end away from him, letting out a sigh of relief as it
snapped shut; powering down. "But you don't understand. There are things…"
"As there are in any relationship." Bra'tac scowled. "I may be old, but I am not stupid. I believe
that if you spoke to Hammond of Texas, or if I did…"
"Oh, god…" Jack shook his head. "Please don't go to Hammond." The cap came back off his
head to resume being mangled in his hands. "I don't think…"
"Sometimes you cannot 'think'." The elder Jaffa snapped, reminding Teal'c of a thousand training
sessions. "Sometimes you must just do what is right without analysing it to death." He jabbed a
finger at the figures in the compound. "They are following us to battle not because they have
'analysed' the situation, but because they believe in us and our cause. They love freedom, be
they Tauri or Jaffa or Tok'ra or any of the other people we have met on our journeys. Love of
freedom, love of friendship and love of each other." His voice dropped down to a soft tone. "And
is not love the most noblest cause of all? The Gou'ald cannot stop it; only we can."
O'Neill dragged the heel of his boot across the rocky soil, digging a small trench. "It's just…
complicated."
"As is life." Using the staff weapon the elder Jaffa got to his feet, followed by Teal'c. "Come,
Teal'c. I believe I wish to talk to Captain Montgomery directly." He paused, a small smile crossing
the weathered face. "You may then inform me afterwards how many Tauri customs I have
forgotten or broken."
"As you wish." He held back for a minute as Bra'tac walked onto the path leading down the hill to
the compound.
"Just make sure he doesn't make a marriage proposal before he finds out her first name." Dusting
off his pants Jack got up, adjusting his cap once again. "Or declare war on us."
"Master Bra'tac will be just fine. I sense he already has some idea of how to approach her." A
smile tugged at the ends of his mouth. "However, I do have to agree with his assessment of your
situation with Major Carter."
"Teal'c…"
"I must go." Gripping his own staff weapon he took a few steps down the path, pausing for one
last comment. "However, I should point out that Major Carter is due to return from her scouting
trip in approximately one hour, just before dinner. I believe that it would be the best time to
approach her while we are currently waiting for a new assignment."
"Thanks." Jack waved him down the path. "Now go and make sure that he doesn't accidentally
shoot himself in the foot while trying to introduce himself. Literally."
With a nod the Jaffa walked away, picking up the pace to catch up with his mentor before he
reached the clearing alone.
Sitting back down again O'Neill watched the two Jaffa approach the small group, the new recruits
quickly recognizing the senior warrior. Bra'tac made a show of displaying his skill with the staff
weapon even as his eyes remained on Captain Montgomery while Teal'c observed the new
rebels with a seasoned eye. As they were dismissed for dinner the older Jaffa turned to the
woman, starting up a conversation even as Teal'c maneuvered the curious warriors away from
the pair.
"You sly dog, you." Jack chuckled out loud. Suddenly his radio crackled to life, alerting the
compound that the scouting patrol was approaching; avoiding any accidental confrontations.
"Carter, that you?" He keyed the mike at his shoulder. "All clear on the western front?"
"All fine, sir." He could see the small group now as they made their way through the brush
towards the compound, almost directly opposite from his position. "Everything okay here?"
"No problems from where I'm sitting." He lifted a hand, waving it high. A small blonde figure in the
clearing lifted her hand and waved back, acknowledging him. "In fact, why don't you join me up
here after checking in? The view's great."
A long pause; long enough to make him wonder what she was thinking. "Sure, sir. Be up there in
five. Do you want me to bring coffee?"
"That would be great." He smiled, seeing Bra'tac continue his conversation with the eager captain
just around the corner of one of the steel huts. "I heard this Jaffa theory today and wanted to
discuss it with you…"
--------------------------30---------------------------
Author: Sheryl Martin/Nantus
Email: xfdragon@zoominternet.net
Disclaimer: All publicly recognisable characters and places are the property of MGM, World
Gekko Corp and Double Secret productions. This piece of fan fiction was created for
entertainment not monetary purposes and no infringement on copyrights or trademarks was
intended. Previously unrecognised characters and places, and this story, are copyrighted to the
author. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead is coincidental and not intended by the
author.
Archive: anywhere you want! Helio, S/JD... anyone wants it, help yourself!
Rating: PG-13
Spoilers: A small one for Birthright, Season 7.
Summary: Bra'tac and Teal'c discuss women. Jack joins them.
Opportunities (1/1)
By Sheryl Martin/Nantus
"These Tauri…" Bra'tac looked down from the hill he sat on, surveying the Alpha Site. "They are a
most curious people." He leaned on his staff weapon, using it to balance himself. "I do find myself
liking them more and more."
"As you should." His old student Teal'c passed over a sandwich, unwrapping his own. "This is
'peanut butter'. It is not totally inedible." He took a small bite, nodding as he chewed. "I find more
and more mysteries about them even as I learn. It is quite interesting."
"I especially wonder about their women." This statement brought a high-rising arch of Teal'c's
eyebrow. "As you know, it is not our tradition to have women fight and die alongside the men." He
smiled slyly. "Although I have heard that your recent experiences have shown different results."
The tall Jaffa grinned, chewing his sandwich slowly. "Word spreads fast."
"Especially when women are involved." Bra'tac chuckled, looking down on the movements of the
people. "And yet the Tauri are not worried about losing their women." He gestured with the butt of
his weapon towards one small group. "There is Captain Montgomery, teaching a group of our
warriors and she has no fear of being lost in battle alongside them. Yet each of them would
probably give their own life to protect her because she is a woman, although not one of us aside
from in spirit."
"True." Teal'c popped the last bite into his mouth. "But they pride themselves on their equality."
He glanced at his old mentor. "Do you often observe Captain Montgomery from this position?"
One hand ran along the hardened soil under them. "It seems that this is an often-used spot for
viewing."
Bra'tac looked at the sandwich. "It reminds me of some of the food we used to torture enemy
Jaffa with." He took another bite and shrugged. "And a bit of the ambrosia my own mother used
to reward us with." He studied the people again, ignoring the question.
"Ah." Teal'c grinned. "You are interested in her." He nodded, scanning the small settlement below
them. "If you wish, I can inquire as to her feelings towards you."
His head shot up. "You will not!" The strong tone in his voice reminded Teal'c of the years
between them. "I will deal with this in my own time, in my own way."
"As you wish." The former First Prime couldn't stifle a chuckle. "Although I can tell you that she
has no mate and is intensely interested in our culture. I'm sure that General Hammond would
welcome her being assigned more… intimate tasks in educating their people about the Jaffa."
Bra'tac looked stoically at his old pupil for a long minute, then broke into laughter; unable to keep
the mask up any longer. "You are learning their ways too well, Teal'c."
"I am only a mirror. You see what you wish." He shook his head with a chuckle. "But I am sure
that she would be flattered to hear that the mighty Jaffa warrior and teacher Bra'tac has an
interest in her."
"Maybe. Maybe not." The last of the sandwich disappeared. "While most of the Tauri are open to
dealing with our kind there are still a few who find us… distasteful."
"True. But there are still Jaffa who ignore the skills of the Tauri at their own peril. As well as many
Gou'ald, as we both know." Teal'c shrugged again. "I will ask O'Neill to enquire about her, if you
wish."
A grunt came from the older warrior. "I am not sure that O'Neill would be… appropriate for the
task." He held up a hand, silencing Teal'c before he could answer. "Do not misunderstand me;
O'Neill is a competent warrior and I would always have him by my side. But he is also…" He
paused, finding the right words. "Challenged at times to find the right words to express himself. I
would not want to weigh him down with this responsibility." His eyes darted again to the redhead
below as she handed out weapons to the waiting Jaffa, oblivious to the watchers above. "And
O'Neill has his own female problems to deal with."
"You refer to Major Carter." It was a flat statement, not a question. "I agree with you."
"It is not healthy for either of them to continue this." The butt of the staff weapon thumped lightly
on the ground. "It tires me to see his inaction in this matter. If I were him…"
"I have heard enough tales of your prowness, Master Bra'tac." The staff weapon banged against
his shin, making him grimace even as his elder let out a weary sigh. "I have no doubt that if you
had set your mind to the task that Major Carter would be in one of our camps on Chulak tending a
new generation of warriors."
"Somehow I do not see Major Carter easily taking up that role." He chuckled. "Although I am
curious as to what Captain Montgomery's views are on this…"
"What about Montgomery?" The familiar voice behind them brought both warriors to their feet,
spinning around with their weapons. Colonel O'Neill held up his hands, shaking his head. "Hey,
chill. Just wondering what you were doing up here, that's all."
Taking their seats again the two Jaffa settled back down as he moved into a vacant patch of
ground beside Teal'c. "Nice view."
"Yes." Bra'tac stared down into the clearing, his face a stony mask.
"O'Neill." Teal'c took a deep breath, feeling the tension of his fellow Jaffa beside him increase.
"You have knowledge of Tauri women."
"Ah…" Taking his baseball cap off the bemused man rubbed his face, putting the cap back on
and adjusting it a dozen times. "A bit. Well, depends. Maybe. What are we talking about?"
"Women." Teal'c announced with the same tone in his voice that he reserved for serious
comments.
"Ah." He waved a hand towards the settlement. "That makes it a lot clearer. Anything specific?"
"Tauri women are much more…" Bra'tac paused, choosing his words carefully. "Much more equal
here than on Chulak. Or many other worlds I have visited."
"Yep." O'Neill nodded. "We got us some tough women here; that's for sure." He stared at the
elder Jaffa for a second, his forehead furrowed. "You having any problems with them? I know we
just tranferred in quite a bit of new personnel, but…"
Bra'tac held up his hand again. "No, O'Neill. I have no problems with your people. They have
treated myself and the other Jaffa with all respect." His eyes glanced again to the small group to
his left. "It has been a joy to see the Tauri supporting our cause with such enthusiasm."
The colonel followed the Jaffa's glance, a wide smile breaking across his face. "Oh, ho! You've
got the hots for one of the women." The grin disappeared as he saw the two stone-faced men.
"Ah, er… you find yourself attracted to one of the women?" His voice went up at the end of the
sentence as if trying to build a shield from the Jaffa mentor's wrath.
"Sometimes, O'Neill…" Bra'tac dug a small hole in the ground with one hand. "Sometimes I do
wonder how you have managed to survive so long." His shoulders slumped as he let out a sigh.
"But, you are correct. I have been observing one of your women officers for a period of time and
found her to be rather intriguing."
"Sweet." His face suddenly went ashen. "It's not Carter, is it?"
Teal'c's eyebrow shot up again. "And if it were, O'Neill? You have not laid claim to her, as I
recall."
"That's not the point." Pulling the baseball cap off his head he began to knead it in his hands,
wrenching the fabric back and forth. "I mean, if you are interested then that's okay; I mean, she's
her own woman and it would be okay with me if it's okay with her…" He looked up from mangling
his cap to see the two Jaffa smiling widely. "You know, you're as bad as Thor with these poker
faces."
"It is the Captain Montgomery that appeals to me, O'Neill." Bra'tac scratched the back of his neck.
"She seems like quite the warrior."
"Well, she is quite the soldier." The colonel jammed the cap back on his head. "If you want, I'll ask
Carter to ask her if she might want to meet with you. She's pretty interested in all things Jaffa…"
He broke off the sentence, leaving the innuendo hanging between the three men.
"You could do worse." Teal'c solemnly said to his old friend. "I have seen Tauri women who do
not appeal to me at all; exhibiting a lack of intelligence even while displaying their physical assets.
I believe they are called bobims."
"Bimbos."
"I stand corrected, O'Neill." He nodded his appreciation. "If you could ask Major Carter to enquire
on Master Bra'tac's behalf we would be grateful."
"But discreetly." The elder Jaffa announced with a warning finger. "I have no wish to embarrass
her or your command."
"Consider it done." O'Neill rubbed his chin again. "I don't think she'll be offended at all. But I'll let
Carter do it - women talk and all that."
"Yes, and about Major Carter…" Bra'tac swung the butt end of his staff weapon over to knock
against Jack's boot. "The situation between the two of you is becoming intolerable. I suggest you
remedy it as soon as possible."
O'Neill's face went red then white then red again, his mouth opening and closing like a goldfish
gasping for air as his eyes went from one Jaffa to the other, unsure how to respond. Teal'c tilted
his head to one side, assessing the situation.
"He speaks the truth, O'Neill. It is obvious to even the most casual observer that you and Major
Carter are more emotionally attached than others." He stared straight out over the compound.
"While our culture does not encourage female warriors we do acknowledge those of extreme
beauty and skill both on and off the battlefield."
Jack finally got enough air in his lungs to form a sentence. "But…" He gasped. "Carter's not… we
can't… it's not…" His words droned down to a mumble as he shook his head again, cupping his
hands over his face as he tried to regain control of both himself and the conversation.
"O'Neill…" Bra'tac turned his full attention on him, assessing him with the same seriousness and
attitude as other Jaffa. "We do not say this to you lightly. Believe me, there is a reason why Jaffa
women do not usually enter into battle." He paused, choosing his words slowly. "I have seen
much in my time and hope to see much more." His eyes glanced again down into the clearing.
"And while I am a warrior I am also a man, as Teal'c is and you are. There is no shame in
admitting this."
Suddenly a familiar sound shocked Jack out of his self-imposed exile. Snapping his head up he
found himself staring into the active end of Bra'tac's staff weapon; the glowing end inches from
his face. Teal's sat passively between them, watching.
"One day this may be the last thing you see, O'Neill." The bulbous end wavered slightly, the
power hum signalling its readiness. "As it may happen to all of us. And I would be remiss in being
your friend if I did not tell you that it would be a great loss if you saw this at the end of your life
without dealing with Major Carter."
"Point taken." Jack gingerly pushed the end away from him, letting out a sigh of relief as it
snapped shut; powering down. "But you don't understand. There are things…"
"As there are in any relationship." Bra'tac scowled. "I may be old, but I am not stupid. I believe
that if you spoke to Hammond of Texas, or if I did…"
"Oh, god…" Jack shook his head. "Please don't go to Hammond." The cap came back off his
head to resume being mangled in his hands. "I don't think…"
"Sometimes you cannot 'think'." The elder Jaffa snapped, reminding Teal'c of a thousand training
sessions. "Sometimes you must just do what is right without analysing it to death." He jabbed a
finger at the figures in the compound. "They are following us to battle not because they have
'analysed' the situation, but because they believe in us and our cause. They love freedom, be
they Tauri or Jaffa or Tok'ra or any of the other people we have met on our journeys. Love of
freedom, love of friendship and love of each other." His voice dropped down to a soft tone. "And
is not love the most noblest cause of all? The Gou'ald cannot stop it; only we can."
O'Neill dragged the heel of his boot across the rocky soil, digging a small trench. "It's just…
complicated."
"As is life." Using the staff weapon the elder Jaffa got to his feet, followed by Teal'c. "Come,
Teal'c. I believe I wish to talk to Captain Montgomery directly." He paused, a small smile crossing
the weathered face. "You may then inform me afterwards how many Tauri customs I have
forgotten or broken."
"As you wish." He held back for a minute as Bra'tac walked onto the path leading down the hill to
the compound.
"Just make sure he doesn't make a marriage proposal before he finds out her first name." Dusting
off his pants Jack got up, adjusting his cap once again. "Or declare war on us."
"Master Bra'tac will be just fine. I sense he already has some idea of how to approach her." A
smile tugged at the ends of his mouth. "However, I do have to agree with his assessment of your
situation with Major Carter."
"Teal'c…"
"I must go." Gripping his own staff weapon he took a few steps down the path, pausing for one
last comment. "However, I should point out that Major Carter is due to return from her scouting
trip in approximately one hour, just before dinner. I believe that it would be the best time to
approach her while we are currently waiting for a new assignment."
"Thanks." Jack waved him down the path. "Now go and make sure that he doesn't accidentally
shoot himself in the foot while trying to introduce himself. Literally."
With a nod the Jaffa walked away, picking up the pace to catch up with his mentor before he
reached the clearing alone.
Sitting back down again O'Neill watched the two Jaffa approach the small group, the new recruits
quickly recognizing the senior warrior. Bra'tac made a show of displaying his skill with the staff
weapon even as his eyes remained on Captain Montgomery while Teal'c observed the new
rebels with a seasoned eye. As they were dismissed for dinner the older Jaffa turned to the
woman, starting up a conversation even as Teal'c maneuvered the curious warriors away from
the pair.
"You sly dog, you." Jack chuckled out loud. Suddenly his radio crackled to life, alerting the
compound that the scouting patrol was approaching; avoiding any accidental confrontations.
"Carter, that you?" He keyed the mike at his shoulder. "All clear on the western front?"
"All fine, sir." He could see the small group now as they made their way through the brush
towards the compound, almost directly opposite from his position. "Everything okay here?"
"No problems from where I'm sitting." He lifted a hand, waving it high. A small blonde figure in the
clearing lifted her hand and waved back, acknowledging him. "In fact, why don't you join me up
here after checking in? The view's great."
A long pause; long enough to make him wonder what she was thinking. "Sure, sir. Be up there in
five. Do you want me to bring coffee?"
"That would be great." He smiled, seeing Bra'tac continue his conversation with the eager captain
just around the corner of one of the steel huts. "I heard this Jaffa theory today and wanted to
discuss it with you…"
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